Prior to my diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, I had been attempting to eat healthier (more or less Paleo and/or Vegan, depending on my mood 😉). The difference now that I’m transitioning to the autoimmune protocol (AIP), is that I have to be much more investigative on what’s in my food. The AIP says to cut out seeds, nuts, and legumes, as well as many other potentially inflammatory foods and spices. Until I completely transition to AIP, I wanted to share some quick and easy things that I have done to take steps in the right direction. These suggestions are great for anyone just looking to feel better and be a healthier version of themselves. Here they are!

1. Get More Sleep

I know this sounds super simple, but sleep is so very restorative. Your body, its tissues, and the mind actually heal during sleep, and if you don’t spend enough time in the sleep cycles in which body and mind healing occur, then you’re robbing your yourself of the healing process. My background as a respiratory therapist taught me the importance of healthy sleep habits. Considering all of the knowledge I gained about sleep disorders and sleep hygiene, my own sleep hygiene was abysmal. We’ve all heard how we need to reduce blue light exposure and limit electronics time before bed, but I’m talking about simply planning to get enough sleep. That’s it. Plan to get 8 hours of sleep ev.er.y. night. It’s an easy change with quick results, and I promise you’ll see the benefits within a few nights of healthy sleeping habits. I put myself to bed every night at 10pm and plan to wake up around 7am, but I’m usually woken up at 6am by my littles.

2. Cut Out The Gluten

Another super-fast, simple step in regaining your health. From what I’ve read, the molecules and protein in gluten mimic that of thyroid tissue. Considering that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, when I have gluten “floating” around my body, my body attacks it. When I have gluten, I get so super sleepy. So sleepy that I need naps in the middle of the day, sometimes multiple times a day. I can tell within 30 minutes if I’ve had something that had gluten in it because I can barely keep my eyes open. I had reduced my gluten intake in the last couple of years, but I sure did embrace free rolls at the Italian restaurants and I love me some pastries. I always felt like crap after, but figured it was the sugar in the pastries or the insane amount of butter in the rolls. I’ll post more about the intricacies of AIP, but sugar, dairy, and bread are definitely not allowed.

3. Take a Good, Hard Look at the Medicine You Take

Read the inactive ingredients list that comes with your medicine, read the warnings and interactions section. Read it with a fine-toothed comb! This goes hand in hand with #2. Did you know that some of your medication may contain gluten? Say what?! YES! There are people who are gluten sensitive that are taking thyroid medications every day to treat their dysfunctional thyroid and the very medication they are taking to help them can actually be hurting them because it contains gluten. This applies to everyone, not just those with gluten sensitivities or thyroid conditions. Knowing what’s in your medicine and how it affects your body is important in being an active participant in your own health care. After learning this tidbit from the inter webs, I decided to look up the medications I was taking. I wasn’t taking anything for my thyroid, as it’s still functioning, but I was taking other medications on the reg that have warnings for individuals with thyroid dysfunction. Prior to my diagnosis, this was not a warning I would have cared about, but since I now know more about my condition, I decided to stop taking it. Your pharmacist is your friend. Ask them questions about the ingredients in your medicine, and if it’s something you absolutely need to take, talk with your doctor about medication options before stopping anything.

These three simple steps have already made me feel so much better in the short time since my diagnosis. I have more energy, I’m not as crabby, and I feel like I can overcome what my PCM said I can do nothing about. I’m taking control of my health. Everyone should.

With that in mind, I picked up this book* and it’s already validating the years of problems I’ve encountered without even knowing there was something “wrong” with me. Check it out and learn more about taking control of your autoimmune disease!

*This post contains an affiliate link, which means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click it and make a purchase.*